Coaching

Is there coaching in photography? In this case nature photography. There is coaching in all sports. And coaching in all other forms of arts (tutoring). Should there be coaching? Or is critiqueing enough?

We have classes and workshops which is close, but coaching is more one on one. It seems like Dan Borzynski is thinking along the lines of coaching and this is inspired from that

I see a lot of photographers offering 1-on-1 instructions and personal workshops. I think it's a great thing. I think these sessions can be extremely helpful in learning technical skill as well as allowing one to see how someone else works and possibly make them think about new methods to apply in their own work.

Think of it as cooking classes. Some people will take a class and then follow the recipes and be happy, while others will learn cooking skills and move on to experiment on their own.

Can you tell I had to skip lunch today...

Guy

I think coaching is a great thing too. I've taken a few workshops and found myself wanting to go at a slower more deliberate pace. Or saying "here are my issues, can you help with all of them?" The ability to do this gets lost in a group setting.

I personally teach one on one workshops and have for some time. They are very popular - perhaps even too much so (had to raise my rates a couple times). I also have a degree in culinary arts ...so I pretty much agree with Guy's assessment of everything here.

It's a great way to see how people work in the field, and it's easier for the instructor to help an individual get the most out of the learning process than it would be taking an entire group, where flexibility, personal attention to details and shooting styles is limited. This can be said about almost any one on one tutorial.

My photo excursions are just a fancy way of describing hands-on coaching in the woods. From one to three clients at a time. Lots of one-on-one. Makes me feel good as a teacher to see the messages go in. Makes me feel good as a student to learn from those I teach. Helping someone else learn forces me to look more closely at my craft, and teaching moments that go both ways are hard to forget.

Wish someone would have been there to coach me when I was beginning.

Yes, coaching, or "1 on 1 instruction" is very important for students who want personalized instruction. I have been offering 1 on 1 instruction for many years now and it has always been very much in demand, be it for one hour or for multiple days.

So there is one on one instruction. Shouldn't be surprised, considering the sharing nature of photographers Which students do you instruct? The intermediate, or advanced amateur? What most often prompts a student to look for individual instruction?

And how do you find the time to do all this

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

William, now that you mention it as coaching, I think that is what I am after.

Referencing my post there, I think there are so many different ways out there as to how people learn, and simply think about photography, composition, seeing that I was curious to know what their thought processes were.

Here, too, with coaching the beginners, the process is fairly easy. For the more advanced photographer, I think it is much harder to get into the person head and understand their thought processes. I certainly don't want to force my style on them - merely lead them to seeing the world and especially their work differently. A second viewpoint, if the listener is really willing to hear what is being said, is a good thing.

I think coaching is a wonderful thing to have - if your budget can support it. The forums here and else where are also wonderful places to ask about technique(s) and get critiques. It is sometimes difficult to get truely critical critiques because of the need to be "nice", but you can always ask for a "no-holds barred" assessment. Sometimes hooking up (via email, trips, etc.) with workshop attendies can also be helpful, especially if it is someone whose work you admire.

Just my 2cents - I've been lucky to have people around who are willing to give critical comments. However, I must admit, my in-field technique needs a lot more coaching.

Of course Art School has ruined many a budding artist. I feel you should learn to be competent - the craft if you will. But beyond looking at photographs I don't find much value in learning how someone else interprets the natural world. If they don't say it with photos, what's the point?

Dan, your students are looking for you to lead them. So you certainly are not forcing your style on them. However you instruct and lead, it is up to the student to follow. The advanced photographer is always looking for new creative perspectives and with coaching they may find it.

Thanks for your replies.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Don, learning how someone else interprets the natural world could possibly open new doors to how you interpret the natural world. I think the learning process is more refined than just looking at photographs.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Will,

"So there is one on one instruction. Shouldn't be surprised, considering the sharing nature of photographers Which students do you instruct? The intermediate, or advanced amateur? "

Both, including professionals as well.

"What most often prompts a student to look for individual instruction? "

The desire to have individual tutoring, the need to get answers to questions for which satisfying answers were not found elsewhere, the desire to have undivided attention, the necessity to get help on issues that are related to personal work, plus the desire for privacy.

"And how do you find the time to do all this ?"

Time management and hard work.

Alain